Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, and welcome to the seventh meeting in 2024 of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. I remind everyone to switch off, or put to silent, mobile phones and other electronic devices. We have received apologies from Oliver Mundell MSP.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take item 4 in private. Is the committee content to take item 4 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

I have no relevant interests to declare.

This morning’s evidence has been enlightening, to say the least, regarding the issue of resources. A short time ago, Peter Bain mentioned the limited budget for Scotland and for local authorities, and the issue of resources appears throughout the submissions that we have received.

My first question is about the resources that we have. Clearly, not enough are going in, but do any of you have an estimate as to how much additional financial resource you would require annually?

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.

Under agenda item 3, we are considering five instruments. Issues have been raised on two of the instruments.

That would be an issue for the lead committee. We report to the Parliament and the lead committee, which could then take that forward.

In relation to SSI 2024/35, does the committee welcome that the instrument fulfils an earlier commitment by the Scottish Government to amend schedule 4 to the Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Regulations 2021 to insert a new part and section heading?

Members indicated agreement.

With that, I will move the committee into private.

Welcome to the sixth meeting in 2024 of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. I remind everyone to switch off, or put to silent, mobile phones and other electronic devices. I welcome Christine Grahame, who is attending for the public part of the meeting.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take items 5 and 6 in private. Is the committee content to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Does the committee wish to invite the Scottish Government to consider correcting that issue along with the issue with the dates, and to highlight to the lead committee the Scottish Government’s response regarding the deadline?

Members indicated agreement.